Author(s): N. P. RANA AND M. K. PANDIT

Abstract: Genetic variability, character association and path analysis were studied in 21 genotypes of snake gourd. The genotypic coefficient of variation was high for days to seedling emergence, length of fruit, total number of male flowers, total number of seeds per fruit, total number of fruits per plant and yield of fruit. High to moderate heritability as well as genetic advances were estimated for days to seedling emergence, number of seeds per fruit, days to 50% female flower opening, days to first fruit setting, days to first female flower opening, days to 50% fruit setting and total number of male flowers. Correlation studies revealed that fruit yield had significant positive correlation with total number of fruits, total number of primary branches and total number of nodes. The highest direct positive effects were recorded for days to first female flower opening. For selecting high yielding genotypes, along with the above traits special emphasis should be given on days to seedling emergence, days to 50% female flower opening, days to first fruit setting and days to first female flower opening. Then you are arguing for selection of late genotypes. What about selecting for total number of fruits/plant, total number of primary branches and total number of nodes which you have concluded in middle of above para?.

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